Trophy draw was more than merited, says Holleran

Leamington manager Paul Holleran was full of praise for his cup battlers after they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Conference Premier side Altrincham on Tuesday evening.

Rob Ogeleby’s 76th-minute strike means the two sides have it all to do again at the New Windmill next Tuesday and Holleran said his side deserve their second bite of the cherry.

“The players were first class,” said Holleran.

“We knew what we had to do to stop in the game but it is one thing talking about it and another executing it.

“Altrincham are a good footballing side but they do allow you to play and a fair result would have been 3-3.

“It was a really good game and to go on a Tuesday night to a full-time side, more than match them and put in good disciplined performance with a sprinkling of quality was pleasing.”

However, Holleran knows Brakes cannot afford to rest on their laurels when it comes to replay, pointing to the fates of fellow Southern Premier League sides Cirencester and Chesham, who both earned creditable away victories at higher-level opposition before suffering home defeats in the replays.

“Altrincham will still expect to turn up at our place and win the game,” he added.